In this lesson we’re looking at creating compound nouns and adjectives in English.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes.
– James.
Lesson Contents
Forming compound nouns
In English we can add two words together to make a new noun. For example:
A change in climate means a change in lifestyle.
life + style = lifestyle
Compound nouns can be created may ways:
- NOUN + NOUN:
We were waiting ages at the bus stop.
- ADJECTIVE + NOUN:
I wrote an example on the whiteboard.
- VERB+ING + NOUN:
Do you know if there’s a swimming pool near here?
- NOUN + VERB:
Wow! I love your hairstyle!
With compound nouns, there are no rules wether the nouns are together, separated by a space, or separated by a hyphen. You’ll have to use a dictionary if you want to find out.
Match the halves of the compound words.
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Question 1 of 2
1. Question
Sort elements
- burned
- alarm
- long
- looking
- sick
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sun
-
good
-
life
-
car
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home
Forming compound adjectives
Compound adjectives can be formed in many different ways:
- NUMBER + NOUN (five-minute, twenty-page, ten-storey)
- ADJECTIVE + NOUN (short-term, high-quality, last minute)
- ADJECTIVE + VERB+ING (good-looking, long-lasting, quick-thinking)
- NOUN + VERB+ING (mouth-watering, record-breaking, English-speaking)
- NOUN + ADJECTIVE (world-famous, smoke-free, ice-cold)
- NOUN + PAST PARTICIPLE (solar-powered, middle-aged, sun-dried)
- ADVERB + PAST PARTICIPLE (brightly-lit, well-known, highly-respected)
- ADJECTIVE + PAST PARTICIPLE (old-fashioned, ready-made, short lived)
The vast majority of compound adjectives are separated by hyphens.
Read the definitions of compound words below, and place the correct compound words next to them.
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Question 1 of 1
1. Question
Sort elements
- Food court
- Fire escape
- Vegetarian food
- Vegetable garden
- Garden vegetable
- Fire alarm
- Third-party
- Escape room
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A large area where food is served
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A garden in which vegetables are grown
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A set of stairs that allow people to retreat from a burning building
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An entity less directly involved than others
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A vegetable that was grown in a garden
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A game where people solve puzzles
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Food that does not include meat
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A device that makes noise when it detects smoke
Complete the conversations using compound words.
| backpack | cat food | house plants | jet lag | landmark |
| nature lover | nightflights | six-day trek | sleeping bag | well-known |
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Question 1 of 1
1. Question
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David: Hi Sam! Getting ready for your trek?
Sam: Yes, I am. I’m really excited. I’m flying tonight.
D: are better for the . Is your ready?
S: Oh, yes. Full to the brim. I’ll need a spare though, have you got one?
D: No, sorry I don’t. I’m not much of a to be honest.
S: No problem. I’ll find one when I get to Peru.
D: So what’s the first trek?
S: It’s a from Salcantay to Machu Piccu. Have you heard of that place?
D: Machu Piccu? Of course, it’s a .
S: Oh, I forgot to ask! Would you mind feeding my cat, and watering my ?
D: No problem, do you have enough for two weeks?
S: Yeah, I’ve got plenty. Here’s my spare key. Thanks, Dave.
D: No prob, Sam. Have a great time.
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